First, I could not be more impressed with Garyn as I am today. Like a flood gate suddenly opening I had an overwhelming sense of seeing my little girl become a mature and strong young woman. I could only hope to bear a testimony as heart felt and in tune as she did today.
We went to Utah for the baptism of Caleb Livingston, our nephew and cousin. It was a nice day. However, on the drive home we received a difficult phone call. My good friend, Aaron Munn, called to let us know that cancer had once again returned to attack his wife Amy. This time, the prognosis is not good. She previously had stage 4 skin cancer that was successfully treated with stem cell and lifestyle. It appeared she was free of the cancer and had a new lease on life. This past summer they made their goal of going to the Temple. We were fortunate to be there and witness their eternal bond and having their 2 little girls sealed to them. It was beautiful and spiritual.
Aaron told me that he had just left Amy at Huntsman for a 2nd test and opinion. Just before Christmas she was teaching primary and couldn't get words to come out properly. Through MRI they determined that she has a golf ball sized tumor on her brain. They are giving her a few months to live. I asked Aaron how he and the girls are doing... his answer was touching.
He said, "Mike, thanks to you and others like you our family grew closer to God this past 2 years and even though this is horribly difficult, we are much more prepared to handle it now than we ever were". He went on to tell me that he can't imagine having to deal with it prior to going to the Temple and having a better understanding of eternity.
Today, Garyn shared her feelings. She recognizes how small her trials are and how fortunate she is to have the blessings in her life that she does with a healthy family. She expressed how comforting it was as we received this difficult news to be driving past 7 Temples along the Wasatch Front.
My friend and his little family will have a very difficult year this year. My year will likely be much much easier. I feel selfish knowing that. I hope I can stay focused on the positive things and not find myself feelings sorry for trials. I wish there was more I could do. My prayers and yours will have to be enough. May he and his little girls be comforted. May my friend Amy be at peace and know God loves her.
